Where to stay in BKK as an expat?

If you're looking for something more family-oriented with less of the party crowd, check out the area around Phra Khanong BTS. W District has a decent supermarket and a few restaurants, plus the On Nut Big C is just one stop away. The rent is noticeably cheaper than Thonglor and you still get that local expat mix without feeling isolated. For kids, there's a nice park called Benjakitti Forest Park a few stops down the Sukhumvit line, perfect for weekends.

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ngl for a family with young kids Sathorn is kinda slept on. there's a lot of condo towers with good pools and playrooms, plus the BTS is convenient for getting around. the area around Saint Louis BTS has a couple small malls and supermarkets, and Lumphini Park is a quick skytrain ride away for the kids to burn off energy. rents are also a bit cheaper than Thonglor

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honestly for a family with young kids, look at Ari or Thonglor. Ari has a more laid-back vibe, lots of trees and cafes, and the BTS is right there. Thonglor is pricier but you have The Commons and Donki Mall within walking distance, both have decent supermarkets.

if u want something quieter with a proper mall, try Ekamai. The Big C there is huge for groceries, and Major Cineplex has a food court that's kid-friendly. traffic can be a pain but the BTS station's right next to the mall so it's fine

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Krua Dok Mai Kao is solid but I've always found their som tam a bit tame on the pla ra. If you want the real funky version, try the shophouse spots along Soi Udomsuk 26, near the night market end. They pound it fresh with fermented fish that'll clear your sinuses, and it's like 60 baht. Different style from the On Nut places, more Lao-leaning.

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for som tam specifically i'd say the Isaan spots in Chatuchak are underrated, weekdays only though since the weekend crowd ruins the vibe. there's a stall near gate 2 that does tam pa with fermented bamboo shoots, super sour and funky, not something you see much in On Nut. if you're already heading north for Or Tor Kor anyway its worth the detour.

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honestly the som tam at Krua Dok Mai Kao is good but what got me hooked is their nam prik pla raa dip with the raw veggies, that funk hits way harder than the papaya does. think most people sleep on it cuz they just order the som tam and gai yang. also pro tip, go before noon on weekdays, after that teh pla ra gets milder cuz they batch it for the lunch rush

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